The Medieval Studies Program provides students with a broad introduction to the Middle Ages. It is founded on the principle that an interdisciplinary perspective is the most profitable way to gain an understanding of this pivotal period in the development of Europe. All students take a core course in history, and they are encouraged to look at the period from a variety of disciplinary perspectives provided by various national literatures, fine arts, and philosophy. The exact balance of these approaches in a student's program depends on a student's interest. The program allows participants to develop a multifaceted picture of the Middle Ages, and it is a good foundation for graduate study.

How to Become a Program Member

The most important requirement for taking part in the program is an interest in the Middle Ages. Students may enter the program at any time in their undergraduate careers, but an early start maximizes a student's range of choice because a number of the courses are only offered every other year. Students should consult with their advisor and head of the program to map out their particular program.

Committee

Charles McClendon, Chair

(Fine Arts)

Bernadette Brooten

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Mary Campbell

(English and American Literature)

Olga Davidson

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

William Kapelle

(History)

Reuven Kimelman

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Karen Klein

(English and American Literature)

Richard Lansing

(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Jessie Ann Owens

(Music)

Michael Randall

(Romance and Comparative Literature)

Benjamin Ravid

(Near Eastern and Judaic Studies)

Cheryl Walker

(Classical Studies)

Requirements for the Program

A. Core Course: HIST 110b (The Civilization of the High and Late Middle Ages). Students are also encouraged, but not required, to take HIST 110a (The Civilization of the Early Middle Ages).

B. Students in the program must complete the University language requirement in one of the following: French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Russian, Arabic, Persian, or Hebrew.

C. Four other courses from the program listing. In order to promote an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Middle Ages, two of these courses should be in two different fields other than history.

D. Completion of one semester of independent study (98a or b), under the direction of one or more members of the program faculty, requiring completion of a research paper;

OR

Participation in a program seminar or colloquium, when offered;

OR

A senior thesis in the student's department of concentration, with an emphasis on some aspect of medieval studies and read by at least two faculty members in the program.